Aston Villa have announced their tenth signing of the summer transfer season. Jaden Philogene confesses he was pleased about the potential of playing in the Champions League when his return to Aston Villa was announced. The 22-year-old returns to Villa Park quickly, signing for a reduced fee of £13 million after leaving for Hull City for £5 million last summer. Crystal Palace, Everton, and Ipswich Town were all interested in signing him, and both the Toffees and the Tractor Boys made higher-than-Villa bids, but the Midlands club won the race.
Philogene returns after registering 12 goals and six assists in 32 games for the Tigers, who placed sixth in the Championship. The London-born winger made only three Premier League appearances during his initial tenure at Villa, but his return will almost probably increase that total. “It feels amazing, it’s like I’m back at home,” he remarked in an interview published on the club’s website. “Unai spoke with me face-to-face, and we had a great conversation about my playing time. “He stated I did well in pre-season last year and that I’ll have more opportunities this time. It also depends on how I perform.”
Philogene will have the opportunity to force his way into Unai Emery’s plans and could benefit from Moussa Diaby’s potential move to Saudi Arabia. He has already reunited with his teammates and may play during the United States leg of their preseason schedule. After a loan spell at Cardiff City, where he helped the club survive the Championship, he performed well in pre-season but made the conscious decision to leave once Hull made Villa aware of their interest, with the promise of first-team football being a motivating factor.
After his return was announced, he stated, “It’s the latest chapter in my Villa journey, and hopefully I can play my best, get game time, and do it in front of the fans.”My goal at Villa Park is to showcase my ability and score goals, just as I did at Hull. It’s a dream come true. When I was younger, I aspired to play in the Champions League. I’ve always wanted to be there one day, and now I am.” Philogene’s arrival is the first of two expected this weekend. Amadou Onana is set to join from Everton in a club record £50 million move.
